WASHINGTON – A bipartisan group of US senators has urged President Donald Trump to put pressure on Indian Premier Narendra Modi to end the on-going clampdown in occupied Kashmir.
Senators Chris Van Hollen, Todd Young, Ben Cardin, and Lindsey Graham wrote to Trump on Thursday pressing him to immediately intervene to help end what they dubbed a ‘humanitarian crisis’ in the occupied valley.
“With each passing day, the situation for the people of Kashmir becomes increasingly difficult. Therefore, we ask that you [Trump] call upon Prime Minister Modi to fully restore telecommunications and internet services, lift the lockdown and curfew, and release Kashmiris detained pursuant to India’s revocation of Article 370,” stated the senators in the letter.
The lawmakers expressed their concerns regarding the situation in Kashmir and said it has ‘grave implications for democracy, human rights and regional stability’.
The Senators said they support Trump’s goal of working with the parties to help find a long-term resolution to the status of Kashmir, but asked Trump to immediately facilitate an end to the current humanitarian crisis in Kashmir.
Citing Trump’s mediation offer to resolve the Kashmir dispute, the senators said US engagement with India will be critical in providing relief for Kashmiris.
“The United States has a vital role to play in facilitating a resolution to this humanitarian crisis, and we urge you [Trump] to act swiftly,” they added.
The lawmakers said once the urgent humanitarian situation has been addressed in Kashmir, they hope the United States can play a ‘constructive role in helping resolve the underlying disputes between the two nuclear powers’.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/pm-imran-to-meet-president-trump-twice-during-upcoming-us-visit/
India had revoked the special status granted to Kashmir on August 5 and had imposed a lockdown in the valley, despite calls by the international community to ease the restrictions.
Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to address United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27 to highlight the crisis unfolding in the serene valley; he would also be meeting President Trump twice during his upcoming visit.
The interaction with the US President is also of prime importance as Trump had offered mediation on the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan when Pakistan’s PM met him at the White House.
After apparently backtracking on the offer, trump had for one more offered to play the role of a mediator to settle the decades-long Kashmir issue which is a bone of contention between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
